Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
In just a few days, Tomah Baptist Church will be presenting our Christmas Cantata “Lamb of Bethlehem”. By the meal and Saturday presentation, it is hoped that many marginal Christians or unsaved will be attending. This musical will provide an opportunity to be a great outreach to our community. We, as God’s people, need to be excited about souls and invite others. The idea of having a delicious meal before the musical is an excellent way to invite or treat our neighbors, friends and family to our enjoyable experience and hear a solid Gospel invitation. “Lamb of Bethlehem” can also be used by itself to bring people to church on a Saturday night who might not otherwise come to church or listen to the Gospel message. The choir and players have all prepared their parts and their hearts for this event. It would be a shame if only a few people showed up on Saturday. Hopefully you will get yours and a friend’s reservation in for that night.
Speaking of Bethlehem, did you know that its name means house (Beth) of bread (lehem)? It is located in the hills miles due north of Jerusalem. The reason Joseph had to travel back to that town was because of the decree of Caesar Augustus. It was also because that was the city of his family’s origin. Of course, the Bible mentions David, but the book of Ruth records the beautiful story of Boaz and Ruth. David’s grandfather, Obed, would have been their offspring and the son of redemption to Naomi and her deceased husband Elimelech.
It was Elimelech’s family who were the chief princes of the Bethlehem—Ephratah (like Minneapolis—St. Paul) was the first Genesis 48:7 And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem. by Jacob while rehearsing his journey to Joseph. It was Micah (Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.) who brought Bethlehem into future prominence with his prophecy concerning the origin of the Messiah. It would be Herod whose treachery would bring it into infamy (Matthew 2).
So, on Saturday, December 9th at 6 pm come out with a guest and break bread around the timeless event in the “City of Bread” (Bethlehem).